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Triethylhexanoin

Synthetic triglyceride with three residues of 2-ethylhexanoic acid. Extremely light and non-greasy — one of the most "weightless" fatty ingredients in cosmetics. Popular in sunscreen and BB formulas for its dry feel.

Light emollientNon-greasy textureTriglycerideSPF bases

⚠ Use with Caution

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Triethylhexanoin — INCI name for triglycerin tri(2-ethylhexanoate). Synthetic analogue of natural triglycerides, but with branched C8 chains instead of long C16–C18. Branching → low viscosity, quick spread, dry texture. Molecular weight ~470 Da. Colorless, virtually odorless oil. Significantly lower viscosity compared to regular triglycerides (capric/caprylic). Shelf life: high (branched chains are resistant to oxidation). Functions in cosmetics: emollient, solvent for UV filters, texture regulator.

Sunscreens and makeup bases, light serums and facial oils, BB creams and foundation bases, mineral sunscreens as dispersants for ZnO/TiO2.

Key Benefits

✦

Ultra-light feel — "dry touch" on the skin

Triethylhexanoin spreads on the skin in a very thin layer and is virtually unnoticeable after application — no greasiness, no occlusion. This is why it is popular in SPF products for oily-prone skin and in BB/CC creams: the formula glides but does not shine. In comparison: caprylic/capric triglyceride — lighter than mineral oil, but triethylhexanoin is even lighter and drier than it.

◈

Excellent solvent for UV filters

Organic UV filters (avobenzone, octocrylene, octinoxate) require a fatty medium for stable dissolution. Triethylhexanoin is an ideal solvent: dissolves most chemical filters without increasing the greasiness of the formula. Especially valuable in combination with avobenzone — improves its stability in sunlight. Widely used in SPF formulas for sensitive skin and children's sunscreens.

✧

Improvement of dry down textures and sensory appeal

In the formulations of dry oils and light serums, triethylhexanoin provides quick "drying down" — the transition from an oily feel upon application to a dry silky feel on the skin within 30–60 seconds. The effect of "dry oil finish" without silicones: the skin looks matte but soft. Useful in products for oily and combination skin.

Suitable for

Oily and combination skinSunscreen formulasLight textures

Main Actions

✓ Ultra-light dry emollient✓ Solvent for UV filters✓ Dry-touch texture

Triethylhexanoin vs Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Both are synthetic triglycerides, but different. C/C triglyceride — straight C8/C10 chains, more noticeable fat, more "oily feel." Triethylhexanoin — branched C8, drier texture, lower viscosity. For sunscreen formulas — triethylhexanoin is better. For nourishment — C/C triglyceride or squalane. Often used together for a balance between lightness and emollient effectiveness.

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